Hunter - a look into cataclysm

[Jahzxo]

OK so i don't actually play wow these days anymore, but i am coming back to play cataclysm for its release. So before i go into any detail about the changes confirmed i would just like to say that the hunter has always been class with the most buttons what annoys me, but with removal of some spells and additions it should balance around the same. (has always annoyed me)

So first lets look at the new spells

Aspect of the Fox
The hunter takes on the aspects of a fox, increasing your focus regeneration by 20% and allows you to Auto-shot while moving.
Instant, 1 sec cooldown

This is a great addition to the game, being able to move while auto shooting and regenerating focus is really a nice thing to have. However the downside to this is a loss on ranged AP, i just hope you can macro like Steady shot to use Aspect of the hawk and then switch to cobra while kiting.

Cobra Shot
Deals weapon damage plus [ 6% of RAP + 168 ] in the form of Nature damage and increases the duration of your Serpent Sting on the target by 3 sec. ( Aspect of the Hawk : Generates 12 Focus. )
5-35 yd range, 1.5 sec cast.

Ok so this spell is a alternative to steady shot for plate wearers blizzard say, how is this? Well the cobra shot does nature damage meaning it ignores armor? I'm not too sure yet. All i know is if your attacking a mage steady shot and a warrior cobra shot ;)

Trap Launcher
When used, your next Trap can be launched to a target location within 40 yards.
30 Focus, Instant

Not a fan of this just an extra button to hit, we will see could be a nice addition since freezing arrow was removed. Always been a fan of scatter trapping TBC style for some reason.

Camouflage
You camouflage, causing you and your Pet to blend into your surroundings. After 3 sec., you will enter a camouflaged state for 1 min, making you untargetable and providing stealth while stationary. While camouflaged, you and your pet's movement speed is reduced by 30%, but the damage done by your next attack is increased by 15%.
You can lay traps while under the effect, but any damage done by you or your pet will cancel the effect. Cannot be cast while in combat.
45 Focus, Instant, 1 min cooldown

This is an amazing move, i am looking forward to using this. Example: Your in an arena game vs a holy paladin and warrior. You start in cammo and you run in and load a aimed on your target followed by a focus scatter trap on the holy paladin. Will give you full momentum from the start.

Venoms
Ok so another new addition is the venoms. There are are 3 types of venoms

Widow venom
A venemous shot that reduces the effectiveness of any healing taken by 25% for 30 sec. Only one Venom per Hunter can be active on any one target.
30 Focus, 5-35 yd range, Instant

Viper Venom
Increases the casting time of all spells done by the enemy target by 30% for 30 sec. Only one Venom per Hunter can be active on any one target.
30 Focus, 5-35 yd range, Instant

Scorpid Venom
Reduces the targets armor by 4% for 30 sec. Subsequent Steady Shot or Cobra Shots increase the effect by 4%, stacking up to 3 times. Only one Venom per Hunter can be active on any one target.
30 Focus, 5-35 yd range, Instant

(Scorpid sting and viper sting removed)

Now venoms can be applied with serpent sting, this means you can have serpent sting applied all the time with a venom also applied. Would proberly be Widow vendom on your target with viper venom on the focus target (if it is a healer).

Now the new talent that is a "must have" is

Your Serpent Sting also does instant damage equal to [15%/30%] of its total periodic effect.

Thats every time you cast serpent sting so when you chimera shot its going to apply the serpent sting talent + the new venom effect. MM ftw?

New Chimera effects

You deal 125% weapon damage, refreshing your Serpent Sting and triggering an effect depending on the venom on the target:

Viper Venom - Instantly burns 5% of the targets total mana.

Scorpid Venom - Attempts to Disarm the target for 10 sec sec. This effect cannot occur more than once per 1 minute.

Widow Venom - Instantly heals you for 15% of your total health.
50 Focus, 5-35 yd range, Instant, 10 sec cooldown

[Imperium]

Hunters are the new rogues.
I don't see anything interesting?
Go read the Shaman forum, now THAT'S legit.
Unleash Weapon (level 81): Unleashes the power of your weapon enchants for additional effects (see below). A dual-wielding Enhancement shaman will activate the effects of both of their weapon enchants. Instant cast. 30-yard range. 15-second cooldown. Undispellable.

Here are a few examples of effects we're considering for this ability:


- Windfury Weapon – Hurls a spectral version of your weapon at a target, dealing 50% weapon damage and increasing the shaman's Haste for the next five swings.
- Flametongue Weapon – Deals instant Fire damage and buffs the shaman's next Fire attack by 20%.
- Earthliving Weapon – Heals the target slightly and buffs the shaman's next healing spell by 20%.

Out of range? NP.

Spiritwalker's Grace (level 85): When this self-targeted buff is active, your spells are no longer interrupted by movement and possibly even by your own attacks. This will give shaman of all three specs another way to heal or do damage when it’s necessary to move in both PvE and PvP. Instant cast. 10-second duration. 2-minute cooldown.

Sorry, what? You were going to LoS my lightning bolt? haha nah you can't.


Best part:

Primal Strike (available at level 3): Primal Strike is a new weapon-based attack that every shaman will learn very early in the game. Our goal with this ability is to make leveling as Enhancement rather than as Elemental more viable, since many key Enhancement talents become available at fairly high levels.

Hello 2H viability!